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Donations to VSU break $2 million mark for third straight year

Total private giving in 1997 continued to climb at Valdosta
State University, topping the $2 million mark for the third
consecutive year.

For the year ending Dec. 31, 1997, gifts to the university reached
$2,040,800, according to Ray Devery, assistant to the president for
institutional advancement, director of development and executive
vice president of the VSU Foundation. That's up more than $34,000
from 1996's total of $2,006,009.

Subsequently, Annual Fund contributions were up as well�from
$551,000 in 1996 to $579,627 in 1997.

Meanwhile, an estimated 650 first-time contributors were logged
last year.

Faculty and staff giving also jumped in the fall of 1997 to
$69,371�up from $65,000 in 1996�an increase of more than six
percent. "We're extremely pleased with the increase in the faculty
and staff giving for 1997," said Dr. George Gaumond, chair of the
faculty and staff fund drive and director of VSU's Odum Library.
"We hope, however, that next year, even a greater percentage of
faculty and staff will consider supporting the university."

"We are delighted that, for the third year, private giving to
Valdosta State University has exceeded $2 million," said Dr. Hugh
C. Bailey, VSU president. "These gifts support activities and
permit the initiation of new endeavors which would be impossible
otherwise. They are a vital component in the development of a great
regional university."

An even bigger donor base is a major goal in 1998, according to
Jeff Snow, director of annual giving. A new, automated telephone
calling system should help that goal, according to Snow. The
computerized calling format allows student workers to call many
more alumni, parents and friends than could be called
previously.

Snow said last year's phon-a-thon reached about 10,000
constituents�he hopes that number will double with the new system,
increasing the efficiency of the campaign.

"We should see a definite spike in the number of homes reached in
1998," Snow said.

Devery said one of the main factors contributing to the increased
funding support is a growing public understanding of the rising
costs of higher education. That growing need shows no signs of
ending, he said.

"Valdosta State University is a leader in implementing increased
enrollment standards, which makes essential the provisions for
additional scholarships and grants," added Bailey. "The
Foundation's role in providing these is one of its most outstanding
contributions."

"It's very encouraging to receive such strong support as the
university continues to expand its educational efforts," Devery
said. "We feel especially gratified by this show of support as we
look forward to an upcoming capital campaign."

"Valdosta State is an asset to this community and to this region,"
said Herm Manderson, chairman of the VSU Foundation. "An investment
in this institution is an investment in educational
excellence."

"Reaching these funding levels always requires a consistent team
effort," said James Kunkle, president of the VSU Foundation. "This
success demonstrates the concentrated commitment supporters of this
university share."